A Qualitative Analysis of Workers Perceptions on the Role of Management in Promoting Health Behavior, Informed by the COM-B Model

Abstract

Background The primary objective of this study was to explore the viewpoints held by employees at a pharmaceutical manufacturing workplace in a middle-income country regarding management's role in promoting health behaviours in the workplace. Methods This study used transcripts of focus group discussion from an original study that investigated employee perceptions of factors associated with healthy behaviours among South African pharmaceutical manufacturing factory workers. Results Participants felt that workplace managers could improve capability through health promotion strategies, supportive leadership and promoting a culture of health. They could provide opportunity through employee engagement programs and resources, and physical activity opportunities were specifically identified. Conclusions This study demonstrates that managers in a middle-income country have the potential to contribute to workplace health in a range of ways that include addressing capability, opportunity and motivation of their workers.